SFBA-based improv composer-performer and sonic architect. Being born with cerebral palsy has affected his body and speech, giving him a distinct view into his creative arts/music process and being largely a self-taught multi-instrumentalist. Studied music composition/improv at CalArts primarily with Wadada Leo Smith (BFA 2001, MFA 2006).

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Artist partnerships with Luthieros Music, NS Design, and Schertler Acoustics, rep by STLR Entertainment.

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You are the note(s) within music composition and those you select to compose/perform music with you, either live on stage or in the recording studio... Buy David Leikam Music

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PRIMARY INSTRUMENTS

• NS Design CR6-strings Radius fretless electric bass (NS Artist)

• NS Design CR6-strings fretless electric cello (NS Artist)

• Moog Rogue synthesizer

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He has performed and/or recorded with: Wadada Leo Smith, Pamela Z, Eddie Gale, Kidd Jordan, Paul Wexler, John Bergamo, Doug Ellington, Muruga Booker, James Gurley, Perry Robinson, Sikiru Adepoju, Jon Raskin, Timothy Orr, Patrick Cress, Sheila Bosco, amongst others.

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ACADEMIA

• 2004-06 California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)

MFA, Music Composer-Performer in African-American Improvisational Music

(Minors in Modern Dance Collaboration/History and Performance Arts.)​​

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• 1998-2001 California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)

BFA, Music Composition

(Minors in Modern Dance Collaboration, Performance Arts, and Visual Arts construction.)​​

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• 1996-1997 Musicians Institute (MI Hollywood)

RIT, Audio/Sound Engineering/Production - live and studio production with honours.